Great Rivers and Routes Craft Beverage Festival
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GRAFTON — Local food and drink makers gathered in Grafton for the third annual Craft Beverage Festival, hosted by Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Grafton Winery Vineyards to promote awareness of the region’s craft beverage and food scene.
Community members are invited to “sip, savor, and celebrate” local flavors at the festival, which will feature more than 20 vendors offering wine, beer, spirits, coffee, soda and food samples. Organizers said all vendors are local makers who are eager to share their products with the community.
Grace Sakry, a destination sales and project manager for Great Rivers and Routes, said the event reflects the sense of community that comes from connecting with local makers.
“We have such amazing people in the Southwest Illinois region,” Sakry said. “There is a lot of planning that goes into this event. We set this date 10-11 months ago and when the day happens it is like Christmas Day seeing everybody come out with such energy with it.”
“This year, local restaurants showcased great dishes alongside local makers,” she added. “The event highlights the best the area has to offer in craft beverage and food worlds.”
Sakry said the event included “over 50 different samples and 20 vendors — breweries wineries and distilleries together.” She also said there were caricature artists and teaching moments.
Samples were abundant at the event, organizers said.
In addition to food and drink samples, activities include a beer steinholding contest, a caricature artist and a coffee roasting demo. American Jackals provided live music throughout the event.
“There’s so much in store here,” Sakry said.
Sakry said the festival gives attendees a chance to meet makers and support local businesses. She said those businesses add to the vibrancy of the region, and Great Rivers and Routes is eager to continue supporting them through events such as the Craft Beverage Festival.
Ben Hollis, of Duke Bakery, said there was a great crowd of people. He said he enjoyed working on a collaboration with the bakery’s creme and orange soda with bourbon and said it turned out “phenomenal.”
Abby Walsh, of Great Rivers and Routes, said the event had “great food and great drinks” and was a wonderful time for all involved.
